CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF MINISTRY IN MID-TOWN MEMPHIS www.cccmemphistn.org A N o t e from Past o r Bi l l R u ssell M a rc h 2013 As we progress along our Lenten journey, I hope that the information you are receiving from our Wednesday evening guest speakers is as helpful to you as it is to me. And, during Lent, I am preaching strictly from the lectionary, and that is designed to take us slowly to Holy Week, the Crucifixion, and the glory of Easter morning. However, much of the emphasis of Lent, our time of preparation for all of the events of the Passion, should be coming from within ourselves and not from speakers and sermons. If we use Psalm 51 as our guide for our introspection, we are given the tools we need to look honestly, and deeply, at our own spiritual condition. David asked for a clean heart and a renewed spirit. As Christians, can we do any less? The ball is in our court; what will we do with it? Bill News from the Pews February was a great month at Central, and the dedication last Sunday of Minor James Salazar just capped things off in a wonderful way. So much is being done around the building and grounds that it is exciting just to come to church on Sunday to see what has been changed, cleaned, or spiffed up in a week's time. But, we need to be looking forward, deep into March, as we approach Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter morning. Our Wednesday evening guest speakers are helping us as we prepare for Easter, but we, alone, are responsible for following David in his prayer, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me". Invite someone to come and worship with you during March. Contact some of our folks who haven't been here in a while and encourage them to be here. If someone needs a ride to church, will you offer it? Remember, it really is not about what we give up for Lent, it is how we give out the love that God has given to us.
Spotlight on Giving Carol Scarberry gave this thoughtful offertory as worship leader right after Valentine s Day. As you know Thursday was Valentine s Day. The day a lot of people spend a lot of money proclaiming their love for someone. I m not complaining because we were really busy at the shop and I m sure Pat and Rachel were busy at the flower shop. My mail box at home was full of Valentine s Days specials One Day Only Sales; Two for One Sales; Spectacular Event Sales and so on. So, I was thinking, when we get that big electric bill board sign on the front lawn of the church (Editor s note: maybe someday), we can advertise: Early Bird Special: 9:45 Bible Study, 1 Hour Special: 5 hymns, Communion where all are welcome, Great Sermon (pay as you will), Fellowship includes coffee and cake. All this and Free Blessings too! IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE BANNER BY E-MAIL CONTACT GEORGE GOOD- NIGHT AT 901-497-4385 or by e-mail at: wesalsdadd@hotmail.com. All contributions for The Banner must be with the Church Secretary by the last Wednesday of the Month Our Visitors We are blessed by an increasing number of visitors, but particularly last Sunday for the dedication of Minor, we welcomed his parents John and Kelly Salazar, Kelly s sister Janet and her husband Dave together with Francis Reeder a friend of the family. Cover Picture Our cover picture shows the Cross, outside the Sanctuary, made and installed by Floyd Scarberry Maundy Thursday The name Maundy is derived from the first word of the Great Covenant, in Latin, "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" ("A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you") - John 13:34. Maundy Thursday celebrations in the United Kingdom (also called Royal Maundy) today involve the Monarch (since 1952, Queen Elizabeth II) offering "alms" to deserving senior citizens (one man and one woman for each year of the sovereign's age). These coins, known as Maundy money or Royal Maundy, are distributed in red and white purses. This custom dates back to King Edward I. The red purse contains regular currency and is given in place of food and clothing. The white purse contains currency in the amount of one penny for each year of the Sovereign's age. Since 1822, rather than ordinary money, the Sovereign gives out Maundy coins, which are specially minted 1, 2, 3 and 4 penny pieces, and are legal tender. Maundy Money
Dedication of Minor James Salazar On Sunday, February 17th, during our morning service, we had the joy of Dedicating Minor Salazar to Christ. The proud parents, John and Kelly together with Grandparents and Betty Lou Jones, Minor s Great Grandmother, pledged, along with the whole church family, to assist in Minors development in the Christian faith. The Fellowship hour, after the service, continued the joyous occasion as the tables was beautifully decorated with white and blue cloths and an amazing buffet lunch was provided. All of us, at Central Christian Church, wish Minor, and his family, a happy and blessed future. Building from the Board Highlights from the February 21, 2013, General Board Meeting are as follows: January Total Income $ 13,458 Total Expenses $ 7,314 Net Income $ 6,144 Work is to begin on Penny s Chapel Garden as soon as the weather clears, and is to be completed by March 31, 2013. Exciting plans are underway for the 90 th Anniversary Celebration. John Rainey, our archives collector, has a wealth of documents, but still lacks information from the beginning of the church history. Carol and Floyd Scarberry have begun working the flower beds on the Peabody side of the Church. Floyd Scarberry crafted and erected a beautiful cross in front of the church doors in observance of Holy Week. The Board approved the proposal by Hall Electric Company for various electrical work throughout the church, including relighting the Kate Mitchell Library. The Board approved the proposal to replace the roof over library area. Additional roof/gutter replacements and/or repairs have been presented and are being discussed. Respectfully submitted, Linda Johnson, Board Secretary
I m Fixing a Hole Where the Rain Gets In and Stops My Mind from Wondering There's an old expression that goes something like "He didn't have a clue until the roof fell on him". In Central's case, the proverbial roof has not quite fallen in, but it's very, very close! So, please read on for the "clues". Clue #1: Over the last several years, the Education Building has suffered some water damaged and roof damage that can no longer be over looked. Several of the gutters have fallen down, or are precariously hanging down on the west and east side of the building. The damage appears to be caused by rotten wood, wood that has been on the church since the building was erected in the mid 1920's. Clue #2: There is a huge hole in the north east corner of the Education Building. It's very easy to see it from the Peabody side of the church. In fact, several of God's creatures have found it, and they want to take up residence on the top floor. We are doing our best to invite them to find another place to live. Clue #3: In the newer section of our church the roof above the library, hallway, and ladies restroom leaks like a sieve, thus causing water damage to the books, ceiling and walls. As a side note, the library is currently under repair, and I'm waiting for Board approval to have the roof replaced - replaced and NOT patched. Therefore: As stewards of the resources that God has blessed us with, we should take care of our place of worship. Friends and visitors to our church will be attending our church Easter Sunday, and will be joining us in celebrating our 90th Anniversary on May 5th. I think that it is important we should show pride in our church - the pride that's a feeling of pleasure from 90 years of serving God, and not the pride of vanity or boasting. The financial officers of the church will be asking all members and friends of Central to help raise the money needed to repair our church. A $1000.00 pledge has already been given as seed money to help meet our needs. Please see Mark Rutledge or George Goodnight if you would like to make a pledge. On a Lighter Note And the Central Christian Board said Let there be light! And thus Hall Electric will be adjusting lights in the Sanctuary, adding new lights in the stairwell area leading into the Sanctuary (Peabody side), repairing lights in the Rose Gillespie Choir Room, replacing lights in the gym, and best of all, upgrading the lighting in the Kate Mitchell Library. The work is scheduled to begin Thursday, February 28 th with a tentative completion date of March 4 th.
Clothes Closet The Clothes Closet continues to be a great success. Some 35 people came to the Closet on Saturday 22nd February and were assisted, by several of our congregation, in picking out warm clothes and some smart outfits for kids and teenagers. Coffee and snacks were served and copies of our Community Assistance Directory were handed out. This Directory gives details of all clothes closets and food pantries in the area, that we know of. Don t forget March is our month collecting for the Food Bank and we ask that you bring your donations each Sunday morning and Wednesday night. From the Church Newspaper July 1964 Children s Easter Clothing Linda Johnson and Carol Scarberry with some of the clothing collected for Church Women United for their Easter Project As true then as it is now! Taste of Compassion A Wine Tasting and Silent Auction is being held at Bangkok Alley, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p. m. on Tuesday, March 5th, to benefit the Neighborhood Compassion clinic. Tickets are $25 and you are invited to attend.
Wednesday Night Family Dinners and Study Programs February has been an exciting month for the Wednesday Night Family Dinners and Study Programs. Debra and George Goodnight kicked off the month by hosting a delicious New Orleans cuisine in recognition of Mardi Gras. Linda Johnson and Daphne Brown served a traditional meal of chopped steak, baked potato, salad and rolls. Our own Pastor Bill Russell, with help from Amy and Anne, served a delicious breakfast buffet. Marcus Mitchell, along with sous chef, Betty Jones, brought his much sought-after beef stew and cornbread to the table. Each meal has been followed by an irresistible dessert. As a continuation of our enlightening Study Program on What Our Neighbors Believe, Pastor Bill Russell has invited some of our neighboring Church Leaders to share their perspectives. The last two weeks in February featured speakers were The Reverend Doctor Jerry Harbor from St. Mary s Episcopal Church and Father Tommy Sheppard, Priest, St. Francis Old American Catholic Church. Both speakers were delightful and shared a wealth of knowledge with the group. Please come, enjoy a delicious meal, and hear What our Neighbors Have to Say. A schedule of Meal Hosts and speakers for the Month of March is as follows: Date Meal Host Guest Speaker March 6 Katrinka Hall/Linda Johnson Reverend Dennis Neenan Wesley Sr. Ministries March 13 March 20 Thursday March 28 Mary/Jack Artman Connie/John Bennett Linda Johnson/Daphne Brown Permanent Deacon Frank Williams Cathedral of Immaculate Conception The Reverend Virzola Law Mississippi Blvd Disciples of Christ Pastor Bill Russell Special Maundy Thursday Services A Welcome to our Neighbors Central Christian Church always tries to be a good neighbor and help out when it can. The weekend of March 2 nd and 3 rd Central will host the Beethoven Club s the Young Artist Competition. The competition was established in 1977 and is held annually. This event is open to musicians, thirty years or younger, who live in Tennessee or within 250 miles of Memphis. Areas of competition are: piano voice, strings, classical guitar, woodwinds, brass, and harp. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three contestants in each category and the winners participate in a concert at the Beethoven Club. Only piano voice, harp, guitar, and string competitions will be at the church. When, in a passing conversation, it was mentioned that a group was looking for a place to worship, members at Central saw an opportunity to help those who wanted to worship God and his Son Jesus Christ. The group is the St. Francis Old Catholic Church. Yep! They re Catholic and we are Disciples! Now, if that s not a new way of Outreach, then what is? The Rose Gillespie Choir Room has been used for many activities, not just for choir practice. Beginning Sunday, March 3 rd, St. Francis will be worshiping about the same time Central is worshiping. St. Francis services will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will conclude around 11:45 a.m., after which they are invited to join Central s members in the Fellowship Hall. Father Tommy Sheppard said that St. Francis members would be glad to host a Fellowship hour. The current attendance is between 5 to 10 members each service and we welcome them to sharing Gods Church.
Projects for Work Parties The March 2 nd and 16 th work days have been rescheduled due to conflicts. The new work days are March 9 th and March 23 th. Work will be from 9:00 a.m. until about 1:00 p.m.; lunch will be provided. April work days will be announced later. Here is a list of tasks to be completed before our 90 th Anniversary celebration on May 5 th : Sanctuary: Dusting and cleaning under pews Painting in the Narthex Painting in the choir area where the old speakers were Painting in the loft area Steam cleaning carpets Mortar around windows Chapel Garden Area: Finish painting the wrought iron railing along the north side of the Chapel Garden Outside areas: Paint the Sanctuary doors Replace and/or work on light fixtures above entry ways Paint the outside doors around the Fellowship Hall area Paint the trim around the Fellowship Hall windows at a minimum, wash and clean! Inside Hallways: Paint as workers are available Strip and wax the hallways Fellowship Hall: Steam clean the grey chairs Touch up (i.e. paint) the columns and walls (as needed) Depending on the number of volunteers, the Fellowship Hall floor could be stripped and waxed the first two weekends in April. Please let Mark Rutledge know if you plan to volunteer and on which days you can be at the church. COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT MARCH 30th As part of our Outreach Ministry, Central Christian Church will sponsor its first Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30, 2013, at 2:00 PM. We are planning to host approximately 100 children. We need plastic eggs, wrapped Easter candy, approximately 17 dozen Easter Cookies, 4 bags of mini-carrots, and prizes for the contest winners. Cash donations are also appreciated. Volunteers are needed to transport Rachel s Kids, serve refreshments, hide eggs, act as safety monitors and a cleanup crew. A sign-up sheet will be placed in the Fellowship Hall, or you may contact Linda Johnson at 754-2494 or Carol Scarberry at 682-5390.
C e n t r a l C h r i s t i a n C h u r c h C e l e b r a t i n g 9 0 Y e a r s o f M i n i s t r y i n M i d t o w n M e m p h i s 531 S. McLean at Peabody, Memphis, TN 38104-5102 Address Service Requested O f f i c e : 9 0 1-2 7 6-2708 w w w. c c c m e m p h i s t n. o r g c e n t r a l c h r i s t i a n @ c c c m e m p h i s t n. o r g T h is Month at Central Sunday March 3rd 10:15am Bible Class 10:30am Coffee in the Narthex 10:45am Worship Service 12:00 noon Fellowship Wednesday March 6th 6:30 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Presentation by Rev. Dennis Neenan Wesley Senior Ministries Sunday March 10th Regular Sunday Schedule Wednesday March 13th 6:30 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Presentation by Deacon Frank Williams Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Sunday March 17th Regular Sunday Schedule 12:30 p.m. Meeting regarding Anniversary Celebration Wednesday March 20th 6:30 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Presentation by Rev. Virzola Law Mississippi Boulevard Church Thursday March 21st 6:30 pm Elders and Deacons Meetings 7:00 pm Meeting of General Board Sunday March 24th Regular Sunday Schedule Thursday March 27th 6:00 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Worship Service for Maundy Thursday Sunday March 31st Regular Sunday Schedule Dinner prepared by Dinner prepared by Dinner Prepared by Dinner prepared by John Rainey Daphne Brown Richard Brown John Bennett George Goodnight Richard Brown Katrinka Hall/Linda Johnson Mary and Jack Artman Mark Rutledge Pat Hammond John Johnson Connie and John Bennett John Johnson Mark Rutledge Carol Scarberry Daphne Brown/Linda Johnson Kathy Young Debra Goodnight John Johnson Diary Reminders March 10th Spring Forward Clocks go forward one hour. Church Work Parties March 9th March 23rd March 30th Clothes Closet Ministry 8:30 a.m. to noon March 30th Easter Egg hunt for Local Children May 5th 90th Anniversary Celebration Worship Service 5:00 p.m. June 22nd Summer Sale March Birthdays Micki Artman 20th Connie Bennett 21st Delores Harper 29th Henry Lindeman III 28th